Balayage hair has been trendy for quite some time now. With hairstyles becoming bold and versatile, balayage tones are ideal for those who wish to experiment with softer and more subtle colors and hues.
Is balayage hair right for you? Does it require a lot of upkeep? Are there any tips for maintaining balayage tones? Read the following article for expert advice on the best care for balayage hairstyles.
What Exactly Is Balayage Hair?
A French term, balayage means “to sweep” or “sweeping.” When it comes to hair, balayage is a modern method of hair coloring that encompasses a variety of hues to give your hair a multidimensional look and feel. Balayage color is typically and carefully hand-painted to create a natural and subtle transition of shades without looking obvious.
Balayage hair is often described as “sunkissed” or “beach hair.” This is because it creates light in the right place to give your hair a more luminous hue. While dozens of shades can be used to create the balayage effect, the most popular are blonde tones, caramel hues, and pastels.
One of the best things about balayage hair is that you don’t have to keep up with your roots. However, this popular hair color technique does involve a bit of upkeep to maintain its gorgeous colors. Read on to find out tips and tricks from expert stylists on how to best care for balayage hairstyles.
Expert Tips & Tricks for Balayage Hair
1. Find a hairstyle that compliments balayage hues
While balayage hair is stunning, it doesn’t necessarily work with every hairstyle. Talk to your stylist to see if your desired cut will fit well with balayage tones. Balayage is incredibly gorgeous on those with wavy or curly hair.
2. Do not over-shampoo or condition your balayage hair
As with any color treatment, you should not wash your hair more than 2 or 3 times a week. The less you shampoo your hair, the better. Over shampooing your hair can cause your balayage hair to fade very quickly. While it is important to regularly condition your hair to keep it shiny, hydrated, and healthy, you should take care not to leave the conditioner in your hair too long as it can weigh your hair down and cause it to be brittle and dull.
3. Use hair masks to help care for your baby’s hair color
Hair masks are trendy right now, and for a good reason. Balayage color treatments generally dry your hair, so a quality hair mask will help restore your hair’s natural oils with essential vitamins and nutrients. You can purchase a hair mask at a beauty salon or make your own. The key is to not over-treat your hair and use hair masks sparingly, generally when your hair feels dull and dry.
4. Care for your balayage when swimming
Avoiding swimming in chlorine water is the best way to protect your balayage treatment. Chlorine will strip away the natural oils in your hair, making it dry and brittle. As well it will cause the color to fade. If you do choose to swim in chlorine, it is best to wear a swim cap or at least wet your hair before taking a dip in the pool. It will protect your hair from absorbing chlorine. Once you get out of the water, rinse your hair to remove any traces of chlorine.
5. Protect your hair from ultraviolet light
Sunlight is great for Vitamin D to help with our mood. However, it can wreak havoc with balayage or otherwise color-treated hair. Therefore, it’s best to avoid direct sunlight as much as possible. However, you can sport a floppy hat or another cute hat if your hair is exposed to natural light at any time.
6. Avoid hair products that contain sulfate
Sulfates are known to strip hair color while otherwise damaging your hair. Take care to purchase only those products that are sulfate free to help maintain your balayage hair color. Opt for those products that will hydrate your hair, such as argan oil, Moroccan oil, or coconut oil-based products.
